Since MPR was founded in 1967, our studios have been a regular stop for the world's master musicians, composers, and conductors. Additionally, in partnership with Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, MPR has recorded interviews and performances with many incredible visiting musicians and leaders in the classical music world, such as Bobby McFerrin, Osmo Vänskä, and Neville Marriner, to name a few. The Archive at MPR has preserved these interviews to make them accessible to you. Enjoy this collection which includes unique conversations occasionally combined with performance highlights and excerpts, as well as reports on the local classical scene.
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of YourClassical MPR and MPR News
June 11, 2009 - The Orange Mighty Trio plays their own special brand of “hybrid” chamber music. MPR’s Dale Connelly interviews members of the group about their music style and writing process.
October 30, 2009 - MPR’s Michael Barone reflects on the musical importance of local organist and composer Paul Otto Manz, who passed away on Ocotober 28th, 2009. Manz’s organ arrangements and hymn improvisations are favorites among choir directors, organists and churchgoers.
January 29, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Accordo, the renonwned Twin Cities chamber ensemble. Roberts interviews members of group about their intimate connection while performing together.
March 30, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with members of Jelloslave, a Minneapolis band that takes the cello where quartets and concertos don't usually go. Their CD "Purple Orange" is highlighted.
June 11, 2010 - Classical MPR’s John Birge sits down with Layton “Skip” James, as he retires from The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra after 41 years as keyboardist. James recalls a memorable night that didn't go exactly as planned. James was playing the 5th Brandenburg Concerto by Bach. It has a huge harpsichord solo, or cadenza. But James found himself in the spotlight in an unexpected way...
October 8, 2010 - Arthur Hoehn, MPR's first classical music announcer, joins Midday to discuss his 40-year career in radio. He is best known for hosting "Music Through the Night."
April 6, 2012 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles French horn virtuoso Bernhard Scully and his mother, Bloomington pianist Joanne Minnetti. The pair have collaborated on album "Dialogues en Francais." The music reflects a mother and son artistic partnership that dates back to when Scully was a child.
June 11, 2012 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with Minneapolis resident Salah Fattah on how he stays connected to his Arabic culture. Fattah is founder of the 10-year-old Arabic classical music ensemble Amwaaj, which in English means "wave," as in waves of the sea.
March 15, 2013 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles dulcimer player Karen Mueller. Mueller is one of the country's top dulcimer and autoharp players, classically trained, steeped in Appalachian, Celtic and folk music. The Minneapolis musician is trying something new: performing a rarely heard classical work with a chamber group.
June 20, 2014 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles Pooja Goswami Pavan, a Minneapolis-based, north Indian classical singer. A collection of ancient Sufi love songs re-imagined for a modern audience are highlighted.